Cataracts, Sugar and N-Acetyl Carnosine

I know that most people think cataracts are just a normal part of aging and can only be corrected by surgery, but this is another myth that should be dispelled. In fact, studies have long correlated excessive intake of sugar and other carbohydrates with cataracts, especially when these happen early in life. For more detailed information on this, I suggest you go to www.nancyappleton.com and also consider reading her book “Lick the Sugar Habit.”

A recent study analyzed data collected in connection with the Nurses’ Health Study and also concluded that there is a direct correlation between the development of cataracts and the amount of carbohydrates in the diet. Interestingly, this study did not find that sugar was any worse or better than other carbohydrates and the only correlation was with total carbohydrate consumption – another good reason to consider limiting carbs in a sensible way! (1)
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Atherosclerosis, Cataracts and Antioxidants

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study (J Int Med, 2000;248:377-386) looked at 52 men and 58 women who had elevated cholesterol levels and thickening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). These individuals were given a placebo, vitamin E, vitamin C, or both Vitamins E and C.

After three years, the researchers found that in individuals receiving both vitamins, the increase in thickness of the arteries was reduced by 74%, a very significant result. Those who were given only one vitamin had more modest benefits, and no side effects were noted. .